Why study Speech and Theatre Education at Washburn?

Share your enthusiasm for theatre and speech with tomorrow's middle school and high school students by earning a Bachelor of Education in Speech and Theatre at Washburn. Designed for future educators, our immersive program equips you with the skills to inspire 6th-12th grade students in Kansas.

Not only will you learn communication skills from the very best by being part of Washburn's nationally ranked debate team, you'll also gain hands on experience with our active theatre program. By participating in at least four performances a year, you can gain skills in acting, designing, producing and, potentially, even directing. No prior debate or theatre experience required!

Career Forecast Stable OutlookExperienced Salary $62,820on campus
Students perform on stage during a theatre production.

What sets Washburn Speech and Theatre apart?

  • You'll learn skills with Washburn's debate team, ranked No. 2 nationally in 2023
  • You'll be involved in at least four live performances each school year as an actor, designer, member of the production team and, potentially, even directing.
  • Scholarships are available in theatre (by audition) and in communication for students who have completed at least 12 hours in communication studies.

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Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.

Communication Studies department scholarships

Speech and theatre education majors are elligible for communication studies department scholarships after they complete 12 communication credit hours.

Theatre department scholarships

Theatre scholarships are open to freshmen, transfer and current students of all majors. Applying is as simple as auditioning.

Tuition and fees

Courses in this degree program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate Rate.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waiver programs

If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.

Fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Application and enroll to pursue a Bachelor of Education in Speech and Theatre education.

In your second year you'll need to apply to the Professional Teacher Education Program. Admission to the program allows you to begin your teaching blocks.

You’ll participate in Education Interview Day before graduation. Many students graduate with a job lined up. Plan to take the Praxis exams in your final semester.

As you prepare for the job search, engage with Washburn Career Engagement for career fairs, mock interviews and resume review. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in one of our education career fairs for future teachers.
Lauren Province performing in a play on stage.

Meet speech and theatre education major Lauren Province

I feel like I learn a lot of things that are really preparing me to be a teacher. I get a ton of practical experience in all areas of theatre, on and off the stage. I've enjoyed working with a number of directors and learning about how they communicate with cast and production teams. I've also competed with the Debate team. All these experiences are getting me ready to be a teacher.

- Current B.Ed. major Lauren Province

Set for Success:

CAREER FORECAST: stable outlook
About 64,000 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, between 2023-2033. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry level salary

$46,230

Graduate with experience

100%

of students complete student teaching and participate in theatre production and forensics tournament management

You'll gain skills in

Managing theatre production teams
Collaboration
Problem solving
Theatre performance and design
Working with diverse populations
Classroom and production management
Curriculum development and execution

Productions

Check out the current theatre productions
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Apply

Become an Ichabod!
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Debate Team

Washburn's Debate Team are five time national champs.
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